9 Day Classic Argentina & Chile with Mendoza Wine Country 20199 days with
Gate 1 TravelRating:

Itinerary

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for ArgentinaDepart for Argentina.

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Buenos AiresArrive in the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires. Its beauty is apparent with its elegant architecture, wide tree-shaded boulevards, striking monuments and sprawling parks. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to get acquainted with the "Paris of South America" and its distinct European flavor. As you will have your night at leisure feel free to treat yourself to an Argentine beef dinner at one of the city's many superb steak restaurants. (Breakfast)

DAY 3, Saturday - Buenos Aires City TourDiscover the city's highlights this morning on a tour that includes the Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada (government palace); see the balcony where Eva and Juan Peron made their speeches. Then, to the colorful La Boca neighborhood, a working class barrio, and the old quarters of San Telmo and Caminito, a mix of colonial style homes, narrow lanes, artists' lofts and very trendy cafes. Drive to the Recoleta Cemetery, final resting place of many of the wealthiest and most important Argentine historical figures. The grounds here cover more than four city blocks, filled with tombs adorned by works of local and international sculptors, and more than 6,400 mausoleums including the tomb of Eva "Evita" Peron, always heaped with flowers and letters from adoring fans. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring some of Buenos Aires neighborhoods and a fabulous collection of shops before this afternoon's tango lesson with professional Argentine Tango dancers. Tonight is at leisure, or, participate in the optional Argentine Dinner and Tango Show. (Breakfast)

Optional: Buenos Aires Dinner & Tango Show (PM).

DAY 4, Sunday - Full Day in Buenos AiresToday is at leisure, to revisit some of your favorite places in the city. Shop for leatherwear and designer clothes, or, join the optional fun-filled Gaucho Party at the Santa Susana Ranch. Get ready for a rustic experience at a typical Argentine ranch (estancia), dedicated to agriculture and the breeding of cattle and horses. After a tour of the grounds, enjoy a typical barbecue lunch, followed by a folklore show with live music and dancing. Tonight, enjoy dinner with your group at a delightful restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Optional: Full Day Gaucho Party

DAY 5, Monday - Buenos Aires to MendozaToday, depart Buenos Aires by flight to Mendoza, the center of Argentina's renowned wine industry. Upon arrival, you'll see the beautiful mountains and trees, harmoniously mixed with the vintage scents that invade the city. The city's wine, art and culture magically merge in every corner of this province, founded in the 16th century by Spanish settlers. Tonight, perhaps join the optional Traditional Argentine Dinner that combines flavors from every region of Argentina. (Breakfast)

Optional: Traditional Argentinean Style Dinner

DAY 6, Tuesday - Mendoza Wineries Morning visit to the Bodega Achaval-Ferrer Winery, one of the award-winning boutique vineyards in Mendoza. Here, tour the vineyard and learn about the harvesting, winemaking process and the viticulture history of Mendoza. An expert details the importance of wine tasting to understand the properties of the wine and shares tastes of some of the fine wines in the cellar. Then, continue on to Norton Vineyards where you will have the opportunity to be an oenologist for a day and create your own wine. This recreational activity allows you to blend wine combining varieties and discovering aromas, textures, and complexity. The afternoon is yours to explore Mendoza independently. Perhaps, visit Independence Square, the civic center and the San Francisco ruins which are the only vestige of the colonial architecture. Visit San Martin Park and the "Cerro de la Gloria" from where you can see a panoramic view of the land of sun and excellent wine. Tonight, wander along the wide avenues of this bustling city or linger at a cosmopolitan café, wine bar or gourmet restaurant in this city that has much to discover. (Breakfast)

DAY 7, Wednesday - Mendoza to Santiago Depart today for a long drive on the dazzling scenic route from Mendoza to Santiago in Chile. Stop en route for views of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America lying within the Aconcagua Provincial Park in the province of Mendoza. Unlike other Andean peaks, this mountain does not sit on the international border and lies completely within Argentina. Enjoy a box lunch en route. After crossing the border, arrive in energetic Santiago for leisure time this evening. (Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 8, Thursday - City Tour of SantiagoThis morning's city tour takes you through the colonial neighborhoods of the city that contrast with the modern financial center, known as Sanhattan. Pass by beautiful residences that are part of the Barrio Universitario (University Area). In the historical center visit the lively Plaza de Armas, with its fountains, sculptures and intriguing people-watching opportunities. The tour continues with a drive along the green Parque Forestal with its stunning Fine Arts museum. Continue crossing the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista and climbing up San Cristóbal Hill to a viewpoint, for a magnificent panoramic view of the city with its backdrop of the towering Andes Mountains. Leisure time this afternoon to explore the city on your own or perhaps join the optional Architectural Tour of Santiago and learn how the city was planned, designed and constructed. Tonight, it's an evening to share wonderful memories of your journey in South America over a traditional Chilean dinner at a local restaurant and bid farewell to your newfound friends. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include flight Buenos Aires-Mendoza. Passport information must be submitted to Gate 1 Travel at least 60 days prior to departure.

This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking every touring day as well as one long 10-hour drive to Santiago. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes.

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The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.

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